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Mugshot of Hyram Graneau. The V.I.P.D. at time of publishing had not provided the mugshot of Dionno Brooks. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — Two inmates are facing additional prison sentences after their attempts to introduce contraband into prison were intercepted.
Dionno Brooks, age 25, is charged with introduction of contraband into prison, possession with intent to distribute and promoting prison contraband. The probable cause fact sheet alleges that on Sunday October 3rd, a correctional officer reported that an inmate was acting suspiciously on his way to dispose of garbage. Another correctional officer was advised to intercept Brooks from his return on throwing out the garbage. That officer stated that he observed a “huge bulge printing out from the front of Mr. Brooks uniform pants”. The inmate was then strip-searched and a large brown paper bag containing a Doritos bag was discovered. The bag contained two packages wrapped in duct tape and electrical tape. Upon unwrapping the packages, the correctional officer discovered tobacco, rolling papers, lighters and a green leafy substance which tested positive for marijuana.
Brooks was placed under arrest and processed on Monday October 18th and subsequently turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advisement hearing. The defendant, who has three prior arrests, appeared virtually before Judge Carolynn Hermon- Percell on Wednesday. He was advised that the charge of introduction of contraband into prison carries a maximum imprisonment of 10 years, while promoting prison contraband carries a maximum fine of $200, imprisonment of not more than 1 year, or both. The offense of possession with intent to distribute is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, a fine of not more than $15,000 or both.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Judge noted that as the alleged crime was committed while in custody, Brooks faces additional jail time if found guilty. Bail was set at $5000 in accordance with the bail schedule, with no 10 percent provision. However, before Brooks can be released on this matter, he must provide evidence of a residential address as his information is currently listed as the Bureau of Corrections.
Bail was also set at $5,000 for Hyram Graneau, age 32, who is charged with introducing contraband into prison, in a separate matter.
It is alleged that on Friday October 15th, a correctional officer observed that a bottle of lotion belonging to an incoming sentenced inmate looked “suspiciously plump”. The item was brought in by Graneau when entering the prison. A lieutenant then squeezed the lotion from the bottle into a cup and discovered a foreign object blocking the opening of the bottle. After cutting the bottle open, he discovered a green leafy substance which later tested positive for marijuana, wrapped in a clear plastic. An additional quantity of marijuana was also discovered in another bottle of lotion. A further search of Graneau’s property revealed a deodorant which contained small clear ziplock bags of marijuana and a clear bag containing tobacco.
He was arrested and processed on Monday October 18th and turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advisement hearing which was held on Wednesday.
